Column: HRT to return as Scorpion Racing?

It has been revealed that a group of investors from America and Canada are trying to get HRT back on the Formula 1 grid, but they might have to wait until 2014.

Bernie Ecclestone seems to support the plan of the return, and it is believed that negations are at an advanced stage. The HRT name would be removed and replaced with Scorpion Racing.

It looks unlikely that we will see a 12th team on the 2013 grid, because the deadline for the 2013 entry fee closed last November.

Scorpion Racing are hoping to complete the deal in the next few days, so we should get a clearer vision of their plans by the end of the week. A facility at the Silverstone circuit is where the team is hoping to operate, using an updated version of the HRT F112, with Cosworth engines and a Williams gearbox.

Bernie Ecclestone told Scorpion Racing in a letter that if the team can sort out the deal and pay, they should get an entry into F1 - "Have you bought the HRT company? Because if you have, they [the FIA] would be accepting you."

However convincing the FIA that they have sufficient funding and a fast enough car to compete in 2013 will be another matter.